Prescott couple starts nonprofit after visit to Guatemala

Most of us have organizations, causes, or groups that bring us joy. We find kindred spirits with similar interests or satisfaction from helping accomplish a task or project. When those interests turn into a passion—whether it’s a love of animals, arts and music, fighting hunger, or increasing access to youth sports—this passion can drive philanthropy. It just takes a spark.

That’s exactly what started Suzanne and Earl de Berge’s passion for humanitarian efforts. As students at Antioch College in Ohio, the Prescott couple discovered a common connection in adventure, art, and appreciation for diverse cultures.

This connection turned to passion when, in 2004, the couple volunteered at a Pre-Classic Mayan archaeology site in Chocolá, Guatemala.

There, they joined with local families and witnessed firsthand the chronic illness and disease challenges that have been affecting rural Guatemalans for many generations. They learned these chronic challenges could be prevented with fresh, nutritious foods, but these were very difficult for the families to find and pay for.

Nearly 50% of Guatemalan children under the age of 5 suffer from chronic malnutrition, which typically leads to stunted growth and a lifetime of poor physical and cognitive performance. In response to these challenges, Suzanne and Earl founded Seeds for a Future in 2007, a nonprofit organization committed to creating food security and better health in rural Guatemala.

Regional Director Lisa Sahady met the couple in 2024 and was amazed at their dedication and long list of accomplishments. “Suzanne and Earl are amazing people. They demonstrate what the power of philanthropy and commitment can do. ACF specializes in connecting nonprofits with philanthropists, and in this case, the couple connected the dots themselves by opening an endowment fund for their nonprofit to create a sustainable path well into the future.”

Seeds for a Future provides families with long-term training and resources to grow their own food and improve their health. Through hands-on learning and a full year of mentorship, families are empowered to cultivate productive and nutritious home gardens.

They also receive nutrition and health training, especially for mothers and their infants. This knowledge, combined with fresh, homegrown food, helps reduce chronic illness and diseases in rural communities. Many families even sell their surplus produce, creating new income streams and expanding their opportunities. These elements combine to dramatically impact and uplift families with better health, resilience, and independence now and for future generations.

“Seeds for a Future has helped me to have enough greens to nourish my family well and to eat fresh foods produced with organic fertilizer,” said one participant. “Trainers teach us everything from the preparation of the soil up to harvesting. What we have left over, we can sell and have money to buy corn or rice.”

Over the past 16 years, Seeds for a Future has grown from helping one small village to 19 communities across 10 Guatemalan states, with more than 5,200 families having graduated from the program. The organization has garnered international interest for its replicable model that focuses on expanding sustainable food security, nutrition, health education, and micro-business opportunities. Suzanne and Earl are steadfast in their mission to break the cycle of malnutrition and disease for future generations, all while operating from their home in Prescott.

“ACF of Yavapai County is community-focused, and we are proud to work with many local nonprofit organizations. We are also honored to work with Suzanne and Earl and expand our community across the globe to improve the lives of children and families,” said Lisa.